Saturday 8 July 2023
NCAO Annual Mega Picnic
by Ruth Aman
The Nigerian Canadian Association of Ottawa hosted their Annual Mega Picnic on July 8th with lots of food, games, and music. As a tradition that has gone on for over 20 years, the association gathered once again to celebrate their large presence in Canada just a week after Canada Day.
Beginning at noon, vendors, restaurants and business set their booths and tables up at Eccolands Park. The event was hosted by none other than Efe Omueti, the President of the NCAO. As President, he has seen the growth and evolution of the association within the last five years. He has seen how in a short time span the association emerged stronger and more closely knit. When reflecting on the day’s event he explained how the Nigerian community in Ottawa is large and he hopes to unite everyone by providing opportunities such as this Mega Picnic. For him, the main goal of this picnic is to introduce newcomers to those within the community and strengthen their relationships. Charles, a coordinator of this event noted that overall, the vision of the NCAO is to build a community based on excellence and competence. And to him, this event represents the excellence of Nigerians in Ottawa.
Over 200 people were in attendance at the picnic which ran until sundown. There were also notable guests who made an appearance such as His Excellency Mr. Adeyinka Asekun, the High Comissioner of Nigeria to Canada. Representing the great entrepreneurial endeavors of Nigerians in Canada were DJ Tipsy, who played a collection of the finest Afrobeats during the picnic, Joseph Onuha, a realtor with Royal LePage, and Nikky, a Hyundai Sales Representative.
Restaurants such as the African Grill and Stomach First Foods Inc provided attendees with a variety of traditional foods such as Jollof Rice, BBQ Chicken, Suya, and much more. Long lines filled the park as individual’s waited to get a taste of home at this special event. Many had come with their close friends and family and sat in areas throughout the park while sharing their meals together. In attendance were two sisters named Elsie and Ella. They both are students who had moved from Nigeria to attend university here in Ottawa. When asked about the event they both explained how they were so grateful to attend an event such as this. Ella said, “we finally are able to be with people who we are familiar with; with people who have the same values and same morals as us.” “The food is great and I am blown away with how all parts of home has been brought here from the Jollof rice to the fish to the Asun.’ Elsie added. They both hope that this event grows and that more awareness is brought to it because it is a necessary staple to their own lives.
When asked the question of what do they love about their culture and identity they both highlighted unique aspects of their heritage. Ella proudly said, ‘my hair – it’s so versatile. Whether it’s hot or cold, it’s manageable and stays perfect regardless of the circumstance’. For Elsie, her favourite part will always be the food. She recalled how every morning she woke up in Lagos the sweet aroma of traditional food would fill the air. This picnic brought that feeling back to her.
Following the food portion, the field area was cleared out for games for children and youth such as tug-of-war and rounds of a sack-race. Overall, the event provided much entertainment and exciting feats that satisfied all who came out.
About the NCAO
The NCAO is an active association who supports the Nigerian population of Ottawa through a number of initiatives and programs. Established in 1992, not only do they provide resources for newcomers but they also host workshops and meetings with speakers from the Ottawa Police Department, Realtors, and counselling agencies to support anyone in need. They assist in helping individuals with accommodation as well as job placements and other opportunities. At the end of the year, they host a Gala and Awards nights which they honour outstanding community leaders and sponsors. For youth they provide job opportunities via the Canada Summer Jobs fund. And this year they have received funds for a women empowerment program that they will be running this August. More information is available on the NCAO website: https://ncao.ca/
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Photos by Ruth Aman and Joy Osiagwu
Ruth Aman is a Project Officer with Black History Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Global and International Studies (Honors) degree, with a specialization in Law and Social Justice from Carleton University.